The Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetland Complex (MKWC), North-Western Madagascar gained protected status in January 2007. Remaining forests are highly fragmented yet the complex covers most of the range of two highly threatened lemur species, Propithecus coronatus and Eulemur mongoz. The IUCN Lemur Specialist Group suggested E. mongoz be updated from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered based on rapid habitat loss. Thus, new data from MKWC are crucial for conservation action planning in this area. Lemur surveys were conducted in MKWC between May-June 2008 using nocturnal/diurnal strip transects in five fragments and presence/absence data from an additional three fragments using rapid diurnal surveys. Propithecus coronatus, Propithecus deckenii, Eulemur rufifrons, Eulemur mongoz, Microcebus sp and Lepilemur sp were encountered. Compilation with previous research produced updated distribution maps for MKWC and Eulemur mongoz densities were compared over time. Eulemur mongoz densities in Anjamena decreased at a rate of 85% over 13 years. Although not significant (p=.65), nested analysis (T=0.02) suggested E. mongoz as the most vulnerable to fragmentation of the diurnal/cathemeral lemur species surveyed. During the surveys, the species was not found in any fragments less than 250ha although representatives of all other species were still present. This research supports the IUCN Lemur Specialist Group’s suggestion to update the status of the E. mongoz and highlights the urgent need for conservation planning in the MKWC.

Research funded by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Primate Conservation and American Society of Primatologists.